NASCAR modifies Truck Series race at Eldora Speedway

NASCAR has modified the format for next month's Truck Series race at Eldora Speedway, where owner points will now be awarded to the top five teams that do not transfer into the main feature.

NASCAR raced on dirt last season for the first time since 1970 when the Truck Series visited the track owned by Tony Stewart in Rossburg, Ohio. The event used heat races to set the 25-truck field, but teams that didn't advance did not receive participation points.

That's changed for the July 23 race. NASCAR also extended the distance of the five heats from eight laps to 10, and a random draw will set the qualifying order instead of practice speeds.

Pit stops will now be optional during competition cautions. They were mandatory in last year's event.